Pats asked Rams' permission to interview McDaniels for OC

The New England Patriots have received permission to speak to St. Louis' Josh McDaniels about their offensive coordinator opening and will speak with him this weekend, a team source told NFL Network's Albert Breer on Friday.

McDaniels, one season into his run as the Rams offensive coordinator, asked St. Louis for his freedom in the wake of head coach Steve Spagnuolo's firing, opening the door to a return with the Patriots, per NFL Network's Michael Lombardi. McDaniels served as a Patriots assistant from 2001 to 2008.

O'Brien was scheduled to interview with the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend for their head-coaching job but canceled that meeting.

McDaniels began his career as an assistant in New England in 2001. He was later elevated to offensive coordinator in 2006, before leaving in 2009 to become head coach in Denver, where he compiled an 11-17 record.

Other suitors are expected for McDaniels' services, but a Rams source told Breer that the Kansas City Chiefs -- managed by former Patriots executive Scott Pioli -- have not yet asked for permission to speak with McDaniels.